Uncovering the secrets of Mercury ...
Status:
Shortly after the Structural & Thermal Model (STM) of MERTIS was handed over to ESA, the instrument team gathered at the DLR facilities in Berlin on 09/16 and 09/17 for the two-day Pre-shipment Review (PSR) of yet another model stage — the Engineering Model (EM). It will be integrated into the Electrical Test Bed (ETB) for the BepiColombo spacecraft aboard which the MERTIS flight unit will eventually travel to Mercury. Among the major test objectives of the EM is the verification of the electrical interface — a significant step towards flight readiness. Coming up next is the Qualification Model (QM) in 2011 — the final model stage preceeding the Flight Model (FM). Check back for updates!
The MERTIS EM undergoing a Limited Functional Test (LFT) as part of the EM PSR. Note the missing baffles: For this model stage, they are not required.
Lauch Window: August 2015
We are go!
